4K Offers Lower Prices, Higher Picture Quality -- But Which U.S. Network Will Offer It First?

The misfire over 3D TV has given way to 4K TV, also called Ultra HD TV. Consumers weary of the 3D debacle might take to a better 2D TV
concept. Easier to stomach.

Many TV production companies have started using 4K equipment. The next issue is whether a TV network will begin transmitting in 4K. Some networks will have long
memories. ESPN, for example, was part of the collateral damage that occurred with 3D TV and it abandoned its 3D network plan.

Perhaps a good selling point: Big-screen TV experiences are being pushed to do a lot more. Already, smart TVs suggest programs and content we might like and let us participate in a number of
interactive programs, as well as connecting us to the vast Internet.

Who wouldn’t want a TV that is four times the quality of current TVs? (4Ks have 4,000 horizontal
pixel lines versus current HDTV’ 1080 lines.)

Still, consumers typically find the right devices and technology levels for their needs and price sensitivity. TV networks, programmers and
distributors painstakingly position themselves to take advantage of those trends.

Cheaper UHDTV will make it more enticing. Pushed by Chinese manufacturers, some UHDTV sets can
currently be bought for under $1,000. Worldwide prices, according to NPD DisplaySearch, will sink to around $1,100 this year, down sharply from $7,800 a year ago.

All that said, those types of
TVs already had their big moment in the sun a year ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

But that isn’t to say other parts of the 4K/UHDTV business won’t shine.
Japan’s NHK network will start transmitting in 4K this July, making it the first network in the world to do so. A more dramatic change will take place when -- and if -- the first
U.S. network starts transmitting in 4K.

Even then, U.S. networks should leave room for another big meal: NHK is already testing 8K TV technology. Yes, that’s around 8,000 pixels.

It’s a given that everyone in broadcast news wears some sort of make-up on camera, the trick is for it not to show, for if it does it borders on appearing in clown face. So there is gong to be a lot more clown faces on television news coming soon...

Great point Edmund. I remember the freak out among anchors when HD arrived. Maybe it can be packaged as a premium feature for sports and nature programming? Thanks Wayne for the succinct update on last year's "star".